AGP Executive Report

Diphtheria in Kaolack: Eight cases and one death have been reported, mostly among children aged 5–15. The response plan includes training health workers, community outreach, and securing vaccines and antibiotics. Yellow Fever Watch: Ghana has declared an outbreak after three confirmed cases—all fatal. Samples were confirmed at a WHO-accredited laboratory in Dakar, and vaccination is planned in affected districts. Food and Community Health: An investigation into Senegal’s fishmeal industry reports that factories divert fish from local markets and have been linked to pollution complaints and health concerns in coastal communities. Heart Health: Senegalese footballer Cheikhou Kouyaté says a congenital heart condition, monitored throughout his career, led him to retire after a medical examination.

Disease Watch: Kaolack has reported eight confirmed diphtheria cases and one death, mostly among children aged 5 to 15. A response plan includes training health workers, community outreach and ensuring vaccines and antibiotics are available. Regional Surveillance: Ghana confirmed three fatal yellow fever cases in its Upper West Region; samples were verified at a WHO-accredited laboratory in Dakar. Ghana plans an emergency vaccination campaign. Community Health: An investigation into Senegal’s fishmeal industry reports concerns about pollution, declining local fish supplies and risks to nearby residents, with past protests in Cayar and Joal-Fadhiouth demanding action. Girls’ Health: A global study including Senegal links climate disasters to disrupted health services and heightened risks of unintended pregnancy, child marriage and violence against girls. Heart Health: Former Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyaté says a congenital heart condition, monitored throughout his football career, led doctors to advise him to retire.

Regional Disease Watch: Senegal’s Institut Pasteur confirmed three fatal yellow fever cases in Ghana’s Upper West Region; Ghana is preparing an emergency vaccination campaign. Diphtheria: Kaolack has recorded eight confirmed cases and one death. Health officials report 114 confirmed cases and 11 deaths nationwide by late September, and have set aside more than 33 million CFA francs for local prevention and response. Food and Health: An investigation into Senegal’s fishmeal industry reports concerns over factory pollution and fish diverted from local markets, with potential costs to community health, food security and fishing livelihoods. Climate and Girls’ Health: A study covering Senegal and four other countries links climate disasters to disrupted health services and increased risks of unintended pregnancy, child marriage and violence.

Diphtheria in Kaolack: The region has confirmed eight cases and one death, mainly among children aged 5–15. Health teams are monitoring 87 contacts, training providers and community workers, and prioritising vaccines and antibiotics. Nationally, 114 cases and 11 deaths have been confirmed. Regional Disease Watch: Ghana has declared a yellow fever outbreak after three confirmed cases—all fatal. Samples were verified at a WHO-accredited laboratory in Dakar, underscoring the region’s role in disease surveillance. Pollution and Health: Residents near fishmeal plants in Kayar and Joal have raised concerns about smoke, odours and related health problems, as an investigation examines the industry’s wider impacts. Girls’ Health: A global study including Senegal found climate disasters can disrupt health and education services and increase risks of unintended pregnancy, early marriage and violence.§

Heart Health: Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyaté says he was born with a heart problem that was monitored during his Premier League career. After doctors advised him to stop playing, the 36-year-old retired. Girls’ Health: A global study that included Senegal links climate disasters to disrupted health and education services, raising risks of unintended pregnancy, child marriage and violence. One in 10 girls surveyed reported an unintended pregnancy after a climate-related event. Environment and Health: Senegal’s five-year SOLUPLAST project aims to curb single-use plastics, targeting food and drink packaging. Organisers say plastic waste is blocking drains and damaging ecosystems, with consequences for public health and livestock.

Heart Health: Former Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyaté has retired after doctors advised him to stop playing because of a congenital heart condition he had kept largely private. Plastic Pollution: Senegal’s five-year SOLUPLAST project aims to cut plastic waste and toxic pollution, which authorities say is damaging drainage systems, ecosystems and public health. Girls’ Health: A study spanning more than 50 countries, including interviews in Senegal, links climate shocks with greater risks of early marriage, unintended pregnancy and violence against girls. Medical Care: A Chinese navy hospital ship has completed a medical mission in Senegal, bringing healthcare services to local communities.

Plastic Pollution: Senegal has launched the five-year SOLUPLAST project to curb single-use packaging, targeting 33,000 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions and 9,000 tonnes of toxic waste. Plastic-clogged drains and damaged ecosystems in Thiès are also affecting public health. Girls’ Health: A Plan International study including Senegal links climate disasters to disrupted healthcare and education, and greater risks of unintended pregnancy, child marriage and violence. Flood Response: Dakar has announced an emergency plan after deadly rains hit Senegal. Family Planning: The Ouagadougou Partnership, which includes Senegal, says 15 years of regional work helped expand access to contraception and avert unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

Heart Health: Senegalese footballer Cheikhou Kouyaté says he retired after doctors advised him to stop playing because of a congenital heart condition that had been monitored for years. Flood Response: After deadly storms, Senegal announced an emergency plan for Dakar, with relief for affected residents and close monitoring of roads and utilities; patients were transferred from Philippe Maguilène Senghor Hospital. Health Planning: Senegal is among eight pilot countries testing a new African digital platform to track progress on youth health and wellbeing, education, jobs and empowerment. Girls’ Health: A Plan International study including Senegal found climate disasters can disrupt healthcare and raise risks of unintended pregnancy, child marriage and violence; 76% of surveyed girls said young women in their communities struggled to access at least one health service. Medical Outreach: A Chinese navy hospital ship has completed a medical mission in Senegal. Family Planning: The Ouagadougou Partnership, which includes Senegal, says its 15 years of regional work helped expand access to contraception and avert maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies.

Storm Response in Dakar: Senegal’s Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo says a regional emergency plan is being activated after weekend rains killed and injured people, with constant monitoring, water/food support, and patient transfers reported from Philippe Maguilène Senghor Hospital. Family Planning Gains (Ouagadougou Partnership): The 15-year Ouagadougou Partnership marks progress across Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Togo—reporting about 30.3m unintended pregnancies and 8.9m unsafe abortions prevented, plus millions gaining modern contraception. Climate & Girls’ Health: Plan International reports climate shocks are disrupting education and healthcare for girls in Senegal and other countries, with 1 in 10 reporting unintended pregnancy after climate events and 33% seeing increases in unintended pregnancies locally. HIV Update (Sri Lanka, regional signal): Sri Lanka reports 860 new HIV cases in the past year, bringing total to 7,403—highlighting the need for early testing and treatment as UNAIDS notes increases in several countries including Senegal. Tobacco Illicit Trade (Zambia vs Senegal): A TCDI dashboard shows illicit cigarette prevalence at 12.2% in Zambia, while Senegal is at 9%, with the report linking illicit trade more to enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities than tax levels. ECOWAS Court: ECOWAS swore in five new judges, including a Gambian judge, urging impartiality and protection of citizens’ rights. Access to Care & Rights (ICE detention): Senegalese HBCU player Aminata Seck is set for release after two months detained by U.S. ICE, with her torn ACL needing surgery and medical care.

AI Governance: A new focus across Africa is accountability for AI in public services and healthcare—who owns systems, who is responsible when AI gets it wrong, and how to close the gap between AI strategies and real-world implementation. Climate & Girls’ Health: A major Plan International study links floods, droughts, cyclones and extreme heat to higher unintended pregnancy, child marriage, and violence against girls, with Senegal included among surveyed countries. Disaster Response in Senegal: After deadly weekend storms in Dakar, Senegal’s PM announced an emergency plan with constant monitoring, rapid support (water and food), and patient transfers from Philippe Maguilène Senghor Hospital as roads and utilities face damage. Family Planning Gains (West Africa): The Ouagadougou Partnership marks 15 years of progress in SRHR and family planning, reporting millions of unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions averted across nine West African countries including Senegal. Tobacco Trade Watch: Illicit cigarette use in Senegal is cited at 9%, with the wider region’s problem tied more to enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities than tax levels. Senegal Health & Science Link: A Senegalese foreign ministry update highlights cooperation opportunities including medicine and pharmaceuticals with Serbia.

Storm Response in Dakar: After deadly weekend rains, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo said a regional emergency plan will be activated in Dakar, with constant monitoring, rapid help for affected families (water and food), and extra surveillance of roads, drainage, and power networks; patient transfers were reported from Philippe Maguilène Senghor Hospital. SRHR Gains in West Africa: The Ouagadougou Partnership marks 15 years of progress in sexual and reproductive health and rights and family planning across nine countries including Senegal, citing major reductions in unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions and expanded access to modern contraception. Climate, Girls’ Health at Risk: A Plan International study using data from 52 countries and interviews with girls in Senegal and elsewhere links floods, droughts, cyclones, and extreme heat to higher unintended pregnancy, child marriage, and violence, and warns that girls’ access to health services is being disrupted. Tobacco Control Watch: Zambia’s illicit cigarette rate is reported at 12.2%, while Senegal sits at 9%, with the report pointing to enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities as key drivers. HIV Update (Regional): Sri Lanka reports 860 new HIV cases over the past year, with officials stressing early testing and treatment; UNAIDS notes rising infections in multiple countries including Senegal.

Maternal & Child Health Under Climate Pressure: A new Plan International study says climate disasters are driving higher risks of child marriage, teen pregnancy and violence against girls, with girls reporting unintended pregnancies after floods, droughts and extreme heat—Senegal is included in the research. Ebola Response Update: In eastern Congo, a trial has enrolled 250+ people in a study of Gilead’s experimental antiviral pill obeldesivir as post-exposure protection for Bundibugyo Ebola, as cases and deaths continue to outpace tracking efforts. Health System & Skills Pipeline: A West Africa-wide report highlights declining interest in science subjects across countries including Senegal, warning of future shortages in researchers and engineers. Justice & Health Impacts: Senegal’s prosecutor opened an investigation into 2021–2024 violence, citing 76 deaths and 200+ alleged torture or inhumane treatment victims, with medical documents reviewed. Regional Health Innovation: ECOWAS Startup Awards crowned Nigeria’s HubPharm Africa, with Senegal’s Gaynako as runner-up—showing growing health-tech momentum across the region.

Senegal Justice Update: Senegal’s Dakar prosecutor has opened an investigation into violence from 2021–2024, with preliminary findings citing 76 deaths and more than 200 people identified as victims of torture or inhumane treatment; five suspects were charged in September, including cases linked to alleged torture and a death tied to a police vehicle incident. Health & Research: In eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak, a trial of Gilead’s experimental antiviral obeldesivir has enrolled 250+ participants for post-exposure protection, as cases continue to outpace response efforts. Women’s Health & Access: A report on fibroids and adenomyosis highlights HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) as an additional treatment option, noting 1,000 HIFU sessions completed in Nigeria. STEM & Future Workforce: Across West Africa, interest in science is falling; Senegal is named among countries seeing dwindling enrollment in science tracks, raising concerns for future health and research capacity. Policy & Cooperation: Senegal’s foreign ministry says it met Serbia’s Damjan Jović in Dakar, with both sides pointing to cooperation potential including medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Justice & Health Safety: Senegal’s Dakar prosecutor opened an investigation into 2021–2024 violence, citing 76 deaths and 200+ alleged torture or inhumane treatment victims, with five people already charged and medical documents reviewed. Public Health Innovation: In eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak, a trial enrolled 250+ participants for an experimental antiviral pill (obeldesivir) aimed at post-exposure prevention after contact. STEM & Workforce Pipeline: Across West Africa, fewer students are choosing science; Senegal is named among countries seeing dwindling interest, raising long-term risks for future health and research capacity. Healthcare Access & Women’s Health: Nigeria’s fibroid care center reports completing 1,000 ultrasound-guided HIFU treatments for fibroids and adenomyosis, highlighting expanding options for women’s reproductive health. Regional Health Systems & Cooperation: Senegal is also linked to broader regional health and human rights discussions, including a Dakar forum on the right to a clean, healthy environment through responsible business conduct.

STEM & Health Workforce Pipeline: A new report highlights a west Africa-wide drop in science study, with Senegal named among countries where fewer students choose science tracks—raising long-term risks for future health and research capacity. Senegal Justice & Health Safety: Senegal’s Dakar prosecutor opened an investigation into 2021–2024 violence, citing 76 deaths and 200+ alleged torture or inhumane treatment victims, with medical documents reviewed—an issue that directly affects survivors’ health and access to care. Ebola Research in the Region: Congo’s deadliest Ebola outbreak is testing an experimental antiviral pill (obeldesivir) in a post-exposure trial, enrolling 250+ participants—relevant for regional preparedness and clinical response. Maternal Health Medicines: Advocates urge governments and drug makers to involve women and communities in designing treatments for pre-eclampsia and maternal anaemia, pushing for Community Advisory Boards to improve safety and fit. On-the-Ground Care in Senegal: China’s PLA Navy hospital ship Auspicious Ark completed a mission in Dakar, recording 6,060 patient visits, 29 surgeries, and 61 health checkups, plus consultations and health education at local centers. Local Health System Links: A Senegal-related diplomatic meeting also flagged cooperation potential in medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Justice & Accountability: Senegal’s Dakar prosecutor opened an investigation into 2021–2024 violence, citing 76 deaths and 200+ alleged torture or inhumane treatment victims; five people were already charged, with some in pre-trial detention. Health & Access: A Chinese PLA Navy hospital ship, Auspicious Ark, left Dakar after a medical mission that recorded 6,060 patient visits, 29 surgeries, and 61 health checkups, plus 350 consultations and health education for locals. Maternal Health (Community-led): Advocates urged governments and drug makers to involve women and communities in designing medicines for pre-eclampsia and maternal anaemia, pushing for Community Advisory Boards so products better fit real needs. Public Health (Diagnostics): Gavi approved the first rapid measles diagnostic tests, with tests manufactured by Institut Pasteur de Dakar, aiming to speed outbreak response and guide targeted vaccination. Regional Health Research: In Congo, a trial enrolled 250+ participants for an experimental Ebola antiviral pill (obeldesivir) as post-exposure protection, amid thousands of cases and deaths. STEM & Health Workforce Pipeline: A regional report highlights declining science interest across West Africa, including Senegal, warning of future shortages in research and health-related skills.